author...illustrator...guerilla artist
author...illustrator...guerilla artist
I was going to start with some overused, rather tedious cliche, somthing to the affect of "the winds of change..." It seems appropriate today. The winds of change have once again shifted and with them our lives move onto another path entirely. Yessir.
My incredibly talented and determined husband has been accepted to graduate studies at RPI in Troy NY, with a full fellowship! In the next two months we will sell all of our furniture here, pack up our car with only necessities (art supplies, books, musical equipment, and a small assortment of clothing), and make the journey back east once again. Yesterday we received the news of the full fellowship and were jumping up and down, (the tuition is extremely expensive and we had decided to go into debt because the opportunity was too good to pass up). But the universe jumped in at the last minute.
This has been a lesson for both of us, one that we thought we had learned already, but sometimes you have to go through the same things a hundred times before they really sink in. The lesson being, head in the direction you are drawn to, even if you think it's impossible or you don't know how you will manage. Once you make the decision completely to do something the universe will jump in to help you out. I wrote a couple of weeks ago that I had been asking the universe for signs and not receiving any. We just had to sit tight, today the signs could not be any bigger or clearer. The universe is yelling.
As we rode home from the mail yesterday I said to Jeff, "There are these wonderful days when I realize I have absolutely no control over the direction of my life." Yes I do put energy out there, but in the end it is the universe that lets me know where I am going next.
So we have let the excitement build about the new move. Things we are looking forward to:
...fall (leaves changing colour)
...affordable living (rent, food, etc.)
...being close to New York City (a three hour drive)
...being close to Canada!
...exploring New England more (it's one of my favourite places)
...Berkshire Farms ice cream (the best in the world)
...Flatbread Pizza (in Northhampton)
...teaching at an art college (there are a few in the area)
...Jeff studying with some of the great artists in the field of experimental music.
...having my own garden again.
...studying Troy's incredible pre-victorian architechture.
...the absence of leaf blowers (I currently hear several going at once)
...having my own workspace again (working on my new book projects).
While we will miss California greatly, we know that we will return again at some point in our lives. But for now we will make a home in a city that is finding it's feet again after many years, (culturally and socially). There was a great article about it recently in the New York Times which speaks about the wonderful buildings (remarkably untouched for the last hundred years), and about how Vonnegut wrote the novel "Cat's Cradle" amidst these buildings, (it takes place in Troy). There are an abundance of public gardens growing, a bookstore (necessity), and a reputable coffee shop, (oh yes). I cannot wait to leave my mark in this new place.
literally.
Until next time I remain, creatively yours...
Posted by kerismith at May 16, 2006 11:21 AMI haven't been here in a while and what news! You have a wonderful attitude about moving, some people would be all pissed off about moving cross country. While I'm down in Long Island now, I went to college in Albany and adored the area. You're in the "city" but not like NYC, lots of music and art and yet the woods are nearby. I spent a lot of time canoeing the lakes of the Adirondacks and one of our favorite day trips was Thatcher Park
http://nysparks.state.ny.us/parks/info.asp?parkID=125
Easy walk with a great view! Can't wait to see how this move prompts your creativity!
my god. this is EXACTLY, almost verbatim, what my husband and I and our 2 boys are going through. We are moving too, and I totally understand the universe thing. I can not tell you how amazed I am at having stumbled upon this writing of yours. THANK YOU. XO, Sarah Elise
Posted by: sarah elise stauffer on June 1, 2006 12:31 PMHey! I go to Northampton all the time.I live in CT. It is expensive here. I am looking to leave the state in the next 2 years. I want to move away from winter and taxes!!
Posted by: Lainey on May 27, 2006 08:29 PMHuh! I grew up outside of Troy, and my closest friend still lives there (with lots of RPI-affiliated friends). Best of luck in your move!
Posted by: Viv on May 27, 2006 03:38 PMI have lived in Seattle for six years and I love it dearly, but I am still an upstate New Yorker. If I ever decide to go back, I will take a bit of Seattle back with me.
A full fellowship! Excellent. Good luck to you both.
Posted by: Beth on May 20, 2006 02:55 AMWOW...how exciting. Wishing you both an exciting and wonderful new adventure. Can't wait to read your postings and new discoveries.
Posted by: bev on May 18, 2006 09:42 PMyeehaw! congrats! and ekologic moved from portland, oregon to troy, ny -- i'm very excited for you & thx for the links cuz my sweetie 'n i are considering returning to that area in the next year or so...cheers!
Posted by: patricia on May 18, 2006 12:17 PMcongratulations, and have a wonderful journey eastward...we are happy to have you in our little corner of the world!
~mindy
Hi Keri,
I celebrate your happiness. Moving across the country will be a clean and refreshing sweep. I love reading your blog because it reminds me to savor the small magic pods in my life. Also, now I'm going to make a field trip to Troy.
Posted by: Potato Print on May 18, 2006 08:59 AMCONGRATULATIONS!
Good news and celebrations seem to be in the air at the moment, and considering i'm on the other side of the Atlantic that can't be bad.
What you said about moving in the direction you are drawn to and things will happen for you is exactly correct.
I wish your husband all the luck in the world, and whilst he's starting a new adventure you get to start your own.
And little ole' me in rainy England is starting a new exciting job soon. A job i've been itching to get for a year so it's smiles all around!
Tobi in Malvern, Worcestershire.
England
phew! that is wonderful news!
thanks for reminding me of that lesson i so easily forget.
C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S !!!
having said that moving is stressful so don't worry if you wake up one day and feel like its all too much its natural!
Posted by: m on May 17, 2006 12:49 PMWhat an exciting adventure for you both! I'm so happy for you! :-)
Posted by: townie girl on May 17, 2006 12:49 PMKeri!
I am from Troy (living in Boston for the last 12 years) but I can tell you that there is a HUGE art and music community there!
My husband still plays there (he's a musician and I'm an artist) so we go home alot. My dad was a famous jazz musician who was born in Troy, so my family is pretty well known and we still have alot of art/music contacts there. PLEASE feel free to email me and I can tell you more about your new town!
Perhaps we could show you guys around and introduce you to some really great, like-minded souls!
Jillian H.
Posted by: Jillian H. on May 17, 2006 11:28 AMcongratulations to your husband for getting that fellowship! welcome back east!
i didn't know vonnegut wrote cat's cradle in troy! how fantastic. i knew he went to my uni and was on the student newspaper, something i too was on, and it was really inspiring to search through the old, dusty archives and find his by-line heading all these articles.
btw, berkshire farms ice cream is just too delicious for words. ;-)
Posted by: paradise on May 17, 2006 11:25 AMCongrats to your husband, and how exciting to move to NY!
I'm just a wee bit jealous...
Posted by: patricia on May 17, 2006 10:58 AMtroy is a REALLY good location - you are within distance to boston, NYC, montreal, and philly.
i am in vermont - about an hour and a half from troy- and have been here for years, while i dont know a WHOLE lot about that immediate region - let me know if you need anything on this end, please feel free to ask.
im so excited for you!
-hannah
Congratulations to you both!
Troy sounds like a beautiful place! I wish you all the best as you begin this new chapter in your journeys!
Keri,
So happy for you and Jeff. I wanted to say how inspiring you are in so many ways. I've been trying to work on allowing what comes to me with excitement and enjoyment. I love this "There are these wonderful days when I realize I have absolutely no control over the direction of my life." I think I just got how simple it can be. It dosn't have to be hard. I can just do it. Thank you again for such inspiration.
Jenn
Posted by: Jenn on May 17, 2006 08:22 AMcongrats! from cali to ny . . . just covering both coasts, yes??? :)
also - I live in albany which is ten minutes from troy, so let me know if I can help - find a place to live, give you some of the low down for the area, etc. . . . and I actually have been writing back and forth with a cool guy who is starting rpi's video dept in the fall, too - maybe you guys can connect . . . :)
Posted by: katherine on May 16, 2006 11:32 PMCongrats!
I live right near Troy- 10-15 minutes in fact. 2 of our close friends are RPI grads. You will like it here I am sure.
Posted by: Thea on May 16, 2006 11:19 PMDear Keri * Hubby,
C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S !
The future belongs to those who believe~ or somthin to that effect!!!!!
Im doing a Happy Tap Dance For you in the JT desert Sand =)
XO
MB
"The lesson being, head in the direction you are drawn to, even if you think it's impossible or you don't know how you will manage."
Keri,you always have the right words at the right time when someone in the universe needs them.Good luck on this wonderful new adventure.
Holy Crap! How exciting!!
Posted by: Swirly on May 16, 2006 06:46 PMCOOL! Congrats to J!
we have flatbread pizza?! (we have so many restaurants I can't keep track of them all.) :)
CONGRATS on your fabulous new journey forth to both you and jeff!!!~~~~~~
great blessings to you, the BIG dreamers and seekers.
SO SO beautiful to see
Posted by: Leonie on May 16, 2006 05:38 PMomg you're moving so close to me. Cool. I look forward to reading what you think of this area. Congratulations all around.
Posted by: ethan on May 16, 2006 04:13 PMWow, how exciting. I love moving to new places. Thanks for the reminder that the universe can put everything in place and it all works out wonderfully. Congratulations to Jeff and good luck back east.
Posted by: Kate on May 16, 2006 04:05 PMHow exciting! I can relate to the excitement. My boyfriend was just accepted to grad school with full tuition and we will be leaving New Jersey (finally) for North Carolina (the Asheville area). I'm so scared about a job and paying the bills and things like that, but your post just encouraged me and inspired me to let those worries go. Thanks! And I hope you enjoy your exciting new home!
Posted by: kyra on May 16, 2006 03:31 PMWhat an exciting time in your lives! I envy your gypsy adventures, and admire your attitude toward big changes. Congratulations to Jeff!
Posted by: tricia on May 16, 2006 03:25 PMHow thrilling! I have only moved once in the last 23 years but when I was your age I moved 20 times in 2 years and it was all such a thrilling adventure! You have given me much inspiration over the years so I thought it was time to tell you that and to thank you for everything.
Good luck in all your travels; inner and outer!!
Posted by: Judy on May 16, 2006 02:54 PMWOW! what a fabulous opportunity, congratulations to Jeff.
Posted by: amanda on May 16, 2006 02:51 PMCongrats! Funny how things have a way of working themselves out for the best. Good luck in your new adventure!
Posted by: Jessica on May 16, 2006 02:50 PMKeri, congratulations to you and Jeff! How thrilling! My husband and I are also moving to a new city in the fall (grad school for me in creative writing, at UBC) and the anticipation of a fresh start, of getting to know a new city intimately and of becoming a part of it, is delicious to me. I can't wait to hear about your experiences.
Posted by: Brianna on May 16, 2006 02:31 PMargh. I am pointed in a direction. Moving in that way. Writing all these things down for the universe to hear. And it sits silently. Maybe it's telling me to pipe down and be patient.
Thanks for the reminder, miss.
xo
Posted by: penelope on May 16, 2006 02:00 PMGreat advice... I also copied that line down, I'm going to need to look at it again and again. Congrats!
Posted by: sage on May 16, 2006 01:14 PMHow exciting! I'm so happy for you. I'm looking forward to hearing about new adventures on the east coast.
Posted by: Anja on May 16, 2006 01:11 PMCongratulations to you both!!
Posted by: Amy on May 16, 2006 01:04 PMhehe, congrats on that! but "being close to New York City (a three hour drive)" floored me a lot. three hours for a german (aka, small country) is a far, far, far away city. I'm at uni three hours away from home and it's half germany between the two places.
but of course, in a country like america, it's sort of just a jump I guess :D
How wonderful - - I hope to have the same faith you have one day to follow the direction I am drawn to!
Posted by: Jillian on May 16, 2006 12:29 PMGod, I really needed to hear that story Keri. Thanks for sharing, as always.
Kristy
I copied into my journal the line "The lesson being, head in the direction you are drawn to, even if you think its impossible or you don't know how you will manage." That is great! I myself have been standing on the brink of a leap -which is somewhat scary.
Posted by: Tanya on May 16, 2006 12:22 PMCongratulations to both you and your husband, Keri! I've been meaning to email you these past few days to see what you've been up to. Apparently you've been up to alot (!) and your future holds so much promise, for so much adventure. I'm really happy for you.
Posted by: susanna on May 16, 2006 12:15 PM